Fairfield Fiscal Challenges and Measure P

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With the loss of Fairfield’s redevelopment agency, state takeaways, and the Great Recession, the City continues to face a fiscal crisis. Since 2008, Fairfield has cut 150 positions and $37 million from its budget. In 2012, the City Council appointed a subcommittee consisting of Councilmembers Cat Moy and John Mraz to explore additional revenue strategies, including the potential for a locally-enacted transactions and use tax measure that would provide the City with revenue, controlled locally, and that could not be taken by the State. 

After conducting extensive public outreach, community assessments and surveys, the City Council unanimously approved placing a one-cent transactions and use tax measure on the November 2012 ballot. Measure P passed with 67% support and enables the City to maintain current service levels. Measure P contains a five-year sunset and accountability provisions, such as the citizens’ oversight committee and an annual audit. The tax goes into effect April 1, 2013 and expires March 31, 2018. 
 
Budget Update Video

In January 2013, the City Council held its annual workshop. The fiscal strategy endorsed by the City Council was firmly rooted in feedback received from the community. Throughout the City’s public outreach efforts, residents and business owners expressed a desire for the City to use Measure P funds for the following:

        • maintain existing service levels, especially those tied to public safety 
        • grow reserves to achieve fiscal stability 
        • invest in the local economy to stimulate growth 
        • maintain the city's deteriorating streets 
        • address the needs of youth and seniors

The City Council is currently in the process of establishing the Measure P Oversight Committee, and recently approved a Measure P street maintenance funding strategy to address the City’s deteriorating streets. While Measure P funds cannot fully address all that has been lost since 2008, it does provide a foundation for the community to begin rebuilding and thriving once again.

2012 Measure P and Public Outreach